Beauty ingredient research

Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Browse the review database to understand what an ingredient is, what it does in a beauty formula, when it is useful, and when it deserves caution across skincare, haircare, bodycare, makeup, and more.

20769

Reviewed ingredients

524

Low-concern standouts

2884

Need usage caution

Showing 60 of 20,769
AllUV absorberUV filterabrasiveabsorbentacne treatmentactiveactive ingredientadhesivealkalizing agentamino acidanti-aginganti-androgenanti-cavityanti-cavity agentanti-inflammatoryanti-irritantanticariesanticavity agentantidandruffantifungalantimicrobialantioxidantantiperspirantantiplaqueastringentbarrier repairbarrier supportbarrier-repairbarrier-supportbinderbinding agentbiotechbiotechnologybond-builderbotanicalbotanical extractbotanical oilbotanical waterbrighteningbrightening agentbufferbuffering agentcell-communicating ingredientceramidechelating agentchemicalchemical intermediateclaycleansercleansingcleansing agentcolorantconditionerconditioningconditioning agentcooling agentcosmeticcosmetic additivecosmetic colorantcosmetic ingredientcosmetic pigmentcosmetic powdercosmetic-texturizercosmetic-waxcosmeticscrosslinking agentdelivery agentdelivery systemdenaturantdeodorantdeodorant agentdepigmenting agentdepilatorydepilatory agentdesensitizing agentdyedye intermediatedye precursordye-intermediateemollientemulsifierenzymeessential oilexfoliantexperimentaleyelashfermentfilm formerfilm-formerfilm-formingfilm-forming agentfirming agentfixativeflavoring agentformulationfragrancefragrance ingredientfunctional ingredientgashair carehair colorhair coloranthair conditionerhair dyehair removalhair-carehair-colorhaircarehumectantindustrialinsecticideintermediatelashlash carelash enhancerlash-and-browlip carelipidmakeupmarine extractmasking agentmicrobiomemicrobiome modulatormineralmoisturizernail carenail-careocclusiveoilopacifieropacifying agentoptical agentoral careotheroxidative dyeoxidative dye precursoroxidizing agentpH adjusterpain reliefpenetration enhancerpeptidepersonal careph adjusterpharmaceuticalpheromonepigmentplant oilplasticizerpolymerpolymer precursorprebioticprescription-drugpreservativepreservative boosterprobioticprocessing agentprocessing aidpropellantproteinpurifyingreducing agentretinoidscalp caresebum regulatorsebum-regulatorself-tannerself-tanningsensory additivesensory agentsensory modifiersiliconeskin barrierskin barrier supportskin conditionerskin conditioningskin conditioning agentskin lighteningskin protectantskin-conditioningskin-conditioning agentskin-identicalskin-identical ingredientskin-lighteningskin-lightening agentskincaresolventsoothingsoothing agentstabilizerstimulantsunscreensurfactantsyntheticsynthetic colorantsynthetic dyesynthetic resinsynthetic-coloranttexture enhancertexturizerthickenertoneruv-absorberuv-filtervasoactivevasodilatorviscosity controlviscosity controllingviscosity controlling agentvitaminwax

Antioxidant

Ganoderma Sinense Extract

Ganoderma Sinense Extract

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich mushroom extract that helps calm skin and defend against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Garcinia Cambogia Ferment

CANDIDA/GARCINIA CAMBOGIA FERMENT

3.5

A fermented fruit extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its topical benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract

GARCINIA CAMBOGIA FRUIT EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle plant extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but it's not a proven active for major skin changes.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Garcinia Cambogia Peel Extract

GARCINIA CAMBOGIA PEEL EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle antioxidant extract from the peel of the Garcinia cambogia fruit, best known for its soothing potential rather than dramatic anti-aging effects.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Garcinia Humilis Fruit Complex

GARCINIA HUMILIS FRUIT/PEEL/SEED POWDER

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant powder that may help soothe and protect skin, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Garcinia Humilis Peel Extract

GARCINIA HUMILIS PEEL EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Emollient

Garcinia Indica Seed Butter

GARCINIA INDICA SEED BUTTER

4.3

A lightweight, non-greasy plant butter that deeply moisturizes without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincareemollient
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Antioxidant

Garcinia Subelliptica Leaf Extract

GARCINIA SUBELLIPTICA LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though human studies are still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Garden Cress Sprout Extract

LEPIDIUM SATIVUM SPROUT EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that helps soothe and protect skin, though research on its cosmetic benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Gardenia Florida Oil

Gardenia Florida Oil

3.5

Gardenia Florida Oil adds a lovely floral scent to products, but its skin benefits are not well-studied and it may cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gardenia Flower Extract

GARDENIA FLORIDA FLOWER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, fragrant flower extract with antioxidant potential, but research on skin benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gardenia Fruit Extract

GARDENIA FLORIDA FRUIT EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, plant-based antioxidant that may help calm skin and fight environmental stress, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Gardenia Fruit Water

Gardenia Jasminoides Fruit Water

3.8

A gentle, water-based botanical extract that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research on its cosmetic efficacy is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gardenia Leaf Cell Extract

GARDENIA JASMINOIDES LEAF CELL EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, lab-grown antioxidant from gardenia leaves that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Gardenia Meristem Cell Culture

GARDENIA JASMINOIDES MERISTEM CELL CULTURE

4.0

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell ingredient that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Gardenia Meristem Cell Extract

GARDENIA JASMINOIDES MERISTEM CELL CULTURE EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, lab-grown plant cell extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Gardenia Seed Extract

Gardenia Florida Seed Extract

4.0

Gardenia seed extract is a gentle antioxidant-rich ingredient that may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but research on its topical benefits is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gardenia Taitensis Callus Powder

Gardenia Taitensis Callus Powder

3.8

A gentle, lab-grown extract from Tahitian gardenia cells that may help protect skin from environmental stress, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract

Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract

4.0

A gentle, fragrant flower extract that offers antioxidant benefits and a pleasant scent, but its skincare effects are not as well-studied as some other botanicals.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Garlic Bulb Oil

ALLIUM SATIVUM BULB OIL

3.5

Garlic Bulb Oil offers antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits but can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its strong sulfur compounds.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Garlic Extract

Allium Odorum Extract

3.5

Garlic extract may offer antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits, but its strong odor and potential for irritation limit its use in mainstream skincare.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Garlic Ferment Filtrate

Saccharomyces/Allium Sativum Bulb Ferment Filtrate

3.8

A fermented garlic extract that may offer antioxidant and soothing benefits, but research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Antioxidant

Gastrodia Elata Root Extract

Gastrodia Elata Root Extract

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though human studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gastrodin

Gastrodin

3.8

Gastrodin is a plant-derived antioxidant with early research suggesting it may help calm skin and fight free radical damage, but human skincare studies are limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Film Former

Gelatin

Gelatin

3.8

Gelatin is a gentle film-forming protein that can temporarily smooth and hydrate skin, but it is not a substitute for collagen-boosting ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Film-Former

Gelatin Crosspolymer

Gelatin Crosspolymer

3.8

Gelatin crosspolymer is a gentle film-forming ingredient that helps skin feel smooth and hydrated, but it's not a standout active for major skin concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarefilm-former
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Film Former

Gelatin Lysine Polyacrylamide Complex

GELATIN/LYSINE/POLYACRYLAMIDE HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE

3.8

A conditioning polymer blend that helps hair and skin feel smooth and soft, but its synthetic nature and limited research may give some users pause.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehaircareconditioning agent
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Humectant

Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract

Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract

4.0

A gentle, hydrating red algae extract that helps skin retain moisture and feel smooth, with a low risk of irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Gelidium Seaweed Extract

Gelidium Sesquipedale Extract

4.0

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps skin hold moisture and feel smooth, but research is still limited compared to more studied algae ingredients.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantfilm-former
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Thickener

Gellan Gum

Gellan Gum

4.5

A gentle, plant-derived thickener that gives skincare products a smooth, lightweight gel texture without clogging pores or irritating skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Genipa Americana Fruit Juice

GENIPA AMERICANA FRUIT JUICE

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich fruit juice that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Genistein

Genistein

4.0

A gentle antioxidant from soy that may help calm skin and support a more even tone, but its effects are mild and best for long-term use.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Genistein Glucoside

Genistein Glucoside

4.0

A gentle antioxidant from soy that helps calm skin and protect against environmental stress.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Genistein Methyl Ether

GENISTEIN METHYL ETHER

3.8

A gentle antioxidant from soy isoflavones that may help protect skin from environmental stress and support a more even tone, though research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gentian Root Extract

GENTIANA LUTEA RHIZOME/ROOT EXTRACT

4.0

Gentian root extract is a gentle botanical antioxidant that may help calm skin and protect against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing agent

Gentiana Acaulis Extract

GENTIANA ACAULIS FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Soothing Agent

Gentiana Prostrata Extract

Gentiana Prostrata Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research is still early and benefits are not yet proven in large human studies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Gentiana Septemfida Extract

GENTIANA SEPTEMFIDA FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research on this specific species is limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gentianella Achalensis Extract

GENTIANELLA ACHALENSIS EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, antioxidant-rich plant extract that may help calm skin and defend against environmental stress, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gentianella Extract

Gentianella Parviflora Extract

3.8

Gentianella Extract is a gentle botanical with antioxidant and soothing potential, but research on its specific benefits in skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gentianella Florida Extract

Gentianella Florida Extract

4.0

A gentle botanical extract that may help calm skin and fight free radicals, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Soothing Agent

Gentianella Riojae Extract

Gentianella Riojae Extract

3.8

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, best for soothing sensitive or irritated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Antioxidant

Gentisic Acid

2,5-DIHYDROXYBENZOIC ACID

3.8

Gentisic acid is a gentle antioxidant and mild exfoliant that may help brighten skin and reduce signs of aging, but it is less studied than more common ingredients like vitamin C.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Gephyrocapsa Oceanica Extract

Gephyrocapsa Oceanica Extract

3.8

A gentle microalgae extract that may help protect skin from environmental stress, but research is still early.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Geraea Canescens Flower Extract

Geraea Canescens Flower Extract

3.5

A gentle plant extract with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits in skincare is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Geranial

GERANIAL

3.5

Geranial adds a fresh lemon scent to products but can be a skin sensitizer, especially at higher concentrations or on sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Geranic Acid

Geranic Acid

3.5

Geranic acid is a natural fragrance compound with some antimicrobial potential, but its use is limited by a moderate risk of skin irritation.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Geraniol

Geraniol

3.8

Geraniol adds a natural rose scent to products but can be a skin sensitizer for some people, especially at higher concentrations.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Geranium Cantabrigiense Extract

GERANIUM CANTABRIGIENSE HYBRID FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT

3.5

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant potential, but research is limited compared to more common geranium extracts.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Geranium Essential Oil

PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS STEM LEAF OIL

4.0

A fragrant botanical oil that may help balance oily and dry skin, but can be irritating for sensitive skin types.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Fragrance

Geranium Flower Oil

PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS FLOWER OIL

3.8

Geranium flower oil adds a floral scent and may offer mild antioxidant benefits, but it can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its fragrance components.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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Antioxidant

Geranium Macrorrhizum Extract

GERANIUM MACRORRHIZUM HERB EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle botanical extract with antioxidant and soothing benefits, best for normal to combination skin looking for a mild astringent boost.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarebotanical extract
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Fragrance

Geranium Macrorrhizum Oil

GERANIUM MACRORRHIZUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM OIL

3.8

A fragrant geranium oil with mild astringent benefits, but its strong scent and potential for irritation mean it's best for those without sensitive skin.

Irritation

moderate

Source

natural

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